Ghanaian comedian OB Amponsah has sparked a thought-provoking discussion on the political landscape of Ghana, suggesting a counterintuitive notion: the success of the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Mahama, might ultimately benefit the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the long run. His argument centers around the idea of restoring public trust in governance, which he believes has eroded over the past twelve years encompassing both NDC and NPP administrations. A successful Mahama presidency, he posits, could rejuvenate this lost faith and indirectly encourage increased voter participation, ultimately benefiting the NPP in future elections.
Amponsah’s assertion rests on the premise that a significant portion of the Ghanaian electorate, particularly NPP supporters, has become disillusioned with the political system due to perceived failures in leadership over the past two presidential terms. This disillusionment, he argues, manifested in voter apathy during the 2024 elections. If Mahama effectively addresses the nation’s challenges and delivers on his promises, it could revitalize the public’s belief in the effectiveness of government, leading to greater engagement in future elections. This renewed engagement, coupled with potential dissatisfaction with an extended period of NDC rule, could then translate into increased support for the NPP when they next contest the presidency.
Amponsah points to the perceived humility and willingness of President Mahama to engage with the public as key factors in potentially regaining public trust. He contrasts this with what he describes as the arrogance of the preceding NPP administration, suggesting that this difference in approach could be instrumental in shifting public sentiment. He argues that Mahama’s current term carries a dual burden: not only must he address the challenges inherited from the previous NPP administration but also rectify any shortcomings from his own previous presidency. This daunting task, if successfully accomplished, could significantly enhance his image and, by extension, the public’s perception of the NDC.
Furthermore, Amponsah alludes to the potential emergence of Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent NPP figure, as a future presidential candidate. He speculates that a successful Mahama presidency, by restoring faith in the political system, could create a more favorable environment for Agyapong’s candidacy. The underlying assumption here is that increased voter turnout, fueled by renewed confidence in government, could work in favor of a charismatic figure like Agyapong. This, combined with potential fatigue from an extended period of NDC rule, could create an opening for the NPP to regain power.
The comedian’s analysis implies a cyclical pattern in Ghanaian politics, where periods of disillusionment and apathy are followed by renewed hope and engagement, often driven by changes in leadership style and perceived performance. He suggests that Mahama, by successfully navigating the challenges of his current term, could inadvertently pave the way for an NPP resurgence. This perspective challenges the conventional zero-sum view of political competition, where one party’s gain is necessarily the other’s loss. Instead, it suggests a more complex dynamic where the success of one administration can create conditions that ultimately benefit its rivals in the long term.
Ultimately, OB Amponsah’s argument hinges on several assumptions: the extent of public dissatisfaction with past administrations, the effectiveness of Mahama’s current governance, the appeal of Kennedy Agyapong as a future presidential candidate, and the overall impact of restored public trust on voter behavior. While these factors remain uncertain, his analysis offers a unique perspective on the interplay between public perception, political performance, and electoral outcomes in the Ghanaian context. It also highlights the potential for unconventional political dynamics where the success of one party can, paradoxically, create the conditions for its own eventual replacement.
